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The only opera I like: Francois Payard Bakery opera cake

There are really only one or two bakeries in the city where the pastries in a refrigerated case can match a plated restaurant dessert. Payard is one of them. Around the holidays when friends come to NYC from out of town and ask me where to get a “really special” dessert the first thing I ask is whether they are willing to let me base a restaurant choice on that criteria. If they don’t have that level of dessert commitment, well, I ridicule them. Then, I pity them. And finally, I send them to one of the Payard locations to score a Verrine, George V or Louvre.

The Payard George V Pastry

On Sunday I was on East Houston St., which to me is “in the neighborhood” of Francpis Payard Bakery” which is on West Houston near Sullivan St. I noticed in the case they now had smaller-than-normal opera cakes for $4.00. With spongecake, coffee buttercream, dark chocolate slabs, and a smooth dark chocolate layer on top, it was the perfect thing to warm up with on a blustery and cold day.

Francois Payard Raisin scone

Recommended: opera cake

I agree with the recommendations of Kathy at Serious Eats NY who says to save room for the sweets when visiting FPB.